Swindon Thrash Pompey 5-0

Swindon Town welcomed the New Year in with a 5-0 thrashing over a spirited Portsmouth side this afternoon at the County Ground.

For the first sixty minutes, Portsmouth were arguably the better side on the pitch. That would soon end when James Collins was introduced on 60 minutes.

As soon as he got on the pitch he headed in Matt Ritchie's corner to give Town a 1-0 lead which lead Pompey shell-shocked according to their manager Guy Whittingham.

Five minutes later, Collins would score again from a Danny Hollands cross to give the home side a 2-0 advantage.

Just three minutes later a battered Pompey side once again saw another town goal as Collins cross was met by Danny Hollands whose loan expires shortly to make it 3-0 to Swindon.

With the result beyond reach, Collins would score two more goals to give Town their second consecutive 5-0 home win at the County Ground.

What a way to start 2013.

COYR!!!

Star Player

James Collins - Absolutely brilliant when he came on.

Player Ratings

Wes Foderingham - 7

Nothing to do really, had one great save which he tipped over the cross bar.

Nathan Thompson - 7

Brilliant at right back, got stuck in.

Joe Devera - 7

Great game but headed the ball a lot.

Darren Ward - 7

Impressive work horse that hopefully will sign a permanent deal shortly with the club.

Alan McCormack - 7

Played out of position at left back but played very well once again.

Matt Ritchie - 6

Wasn't his best game and gave the ball a way a bit against his former side, was still effective though and chased everything down.

Danny Hollands - 8

Cracking game, set up Collins' goals and scored, what more could he do?

Tommy Miller - 5

Abysmal, game changed for the better when he went off.

Raffaele De Vita - 5

Didn't do a lot but then again was subbed at half time due to sickness.

Chris Martin - 6

Ran his back side off, needs a goal to boost confidence.

Andy Williams - 6

Usual self got in the right areas but cannot score.

Simon Ferry - 9

Completely changed the game and controlled midfield when he came on, should have started.

Gary Roberts - 7

Faultless, Chased everything down, saw glimpses of "the man"

James Collins - 10

Scores four goals and sets up Hollands all in the space of 45 minutes. Simply Quality.

Manager Rating

Paolo Di Canio - Should have started Ferry in midfield, when he came on the tempo changed and Town bossed midfield. Prior to this Pompey just lobbed the ball forward.

Opponent Rating

Guy Whittingham - Tactics frustrated Town who were unable to get anything going for the first 45 minutes. Whilst their football was dire, it stopped Swindon from playing football and thus made things difficult.